UPFRONT

STAMFORD, CT—Boosted by the February acquisition of MeadWestvaco Corp.’s Envelope Product Group (EPG) and growth from the company’s direct envelope group, which benefited from strong direct mail volumes, Cenveo Inc. (CVO) saw net sales increase approximately 11.2 percent to $495.2 million for the quarter ending July 2, compared to $445.3 million for the three months ending July 3, 2010. In addition, the company’s board of directors has appointed Robert “Rob” Burton Jr. to the position of president. His father, Robert “Bob” Burton, is chairman and CEO.

Marek Obtains Brandspring

WAUKESHA, WI—Offset and digital commercial printer The Marek Group has struck a deal to acquire Minneapolis-based Brandspring Solutions, an integrated marketing communications firm. Brandspring Solutions primarily serves the business-to-business market, along with the business-to-consumer and non-profit markets. As a privately owned agency for 35-plus years, Brandspring has offered traditional sales and marketing consulting, as well as a Web-to-print platform for client-unique applications.

Manistique Papers Files

MANISTIQUE, MI—Having reached a financial impasse with its lender, Manistique Papers (MPI) has ceased production and is filing for bankruptcy as it seeks a buyer. The 90-year-old firm cited declining demand and increasing material costs as among the factors for its struggles, the Daily Press reported. The company employed 150 and produced 100 percent recycled fiber content specialty offset papers for the printing and converting industries.

Thames Closes Its Doors

NORWICH, CT—Rumors regarding the demise of Thames Printing were unfortunately true for the company. Employees showed up for work on Aug. 15, only to find the doors locked and the power shut off, according to the Norwich Bulletin. The firm had conducted business for more than 70 years and employed 60 at the time of its closure, the newspaper reported. Citing court records, the Bulletin noted that the printer’s lender, People’s United Bank, began foreclosure proceedings in April due to a loan default.